Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work/Counselor III - Campus at Mount View

About the Division of Youth Services We are a Colorado agency that provides a continuum of residential and non‑residential services for youth in the criminal justice system, including detention, commitment, and parole. We operate fifteen secure facilities and contract with private providers statewide. Our mission is to support the growth and reintegration of youth into their communities. Position Summary This mental health counselor provides mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth in the Division of Youth Services. Services include clinical assessment, medication monitoring, individual, group, family, and milieu therapies, suicide risk assessment, report writing, and coordination with the Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT). Job Duties Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence‑based treatment theories for adolescents. Apply knowledge of adolescent development and appropriate interventions for the population and developmental needs. Use theory‑informed interventions while considering cultural, religious, and sexual issues of the youth. Document and assess the effectiveness of interventions toward program progression and youth stabilization. Provide services for substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and cases involving sexual or violent youth. Deliver therapeutic services with a strength‑based and holistic approach. Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist for psychotropic medication assessment and continuity. Collaborate with educational/vocational systems for academic services. Seek additional resources to optimize treatment based on developmental and neurocognitive abilities. Adjust therapeutic delivery based on trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, or mental health disorders. Implement cognitive behavioral‑based interventions, social learning theory, and motivational interviewing. Engage families/caregivers in stabilizing and transitioning youth to placement. Assess progress, barriers, and document case management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record system. Follow Sanctuary/ROCK Program guidelines. Facilitate Community Review Teams for Individual Growth and Change Plans and other interventions as needed. Assessment and Treatment Planning Address mental health and other identified needs, considering the estimated length of stay. Review assessment data, develop therapeutic rapport, ensure confidentiality, and evaluate symptoms sensitively. Engage parents/family members, guardians, and referring agents for collateral information. Monitor signs and symptoms of serious mental illness per DSM‑5 and adjust care accordingly. Perform brief mental health status examinations. Recommend alternate interventions for youth not responding positively and assess suicide risk indicators. Collaborate with other specialists for transition planning to aid reintegration. Coordinate with YSSIII, client managers, and milieu staff for milieu interventions. Refer to psychiatrists when needed. Set strengths‑based treatment goals and objectives. Select appropriate providers for treatment and related services. Training and Consultation Maintain knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations (42 C.F.R. Part 2, HIPAA) and Colorado alcohol and drug abuse rules. Stay current on emerging research in treating juvenile mental health, substance abuse, and co‑occurring disorders. Train facility staff in best‑practice treatment delivery. Participate in orientation, workshops, and trainings on mental health, co‑occurring disorders, and substance abuse. Model interventions and recommend practices for resident assignments. Participate in case reviews, group placement decisions, and case consultation. Maintain professional certifications and licensure. Engage in ongoing professional growth, research, and CEUs. Provide clinical supervision with the clinical director and other supervision to maintain license standing. Offer input on milieu programming and implementation of treatment goals. Collaborate on development of additional treatment program options. Documentation and Communication Document treatment notes for all individual and group sessions in DAP format within the approved EHR. Ensure group documentation reflects each youth’s participation. Record appropriate information and identify the receiving parties and communication mode. Minimum Qualifications Current, valid Colorado or state licensure under the Social Work Licensure Compact as a: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) One (1) year of experience with valid licensure from a Compact state in a role comparable to this position. Preferred Qualifications Experience as a current or former State of Colorado employee. Conditions of Employment Minimum age 21 with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence. Full background and reference checks required. State of Colorado residency at time of application and throughout employment. Motor vehicle check and valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License. Successful completion of the DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training. Completion of the Diana Screen sexual risk screening tool. Benefits Retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans. Medical and dental health plans. Employer‑substituted Health Savings Account. Paid life insurance. Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage. 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave. Access to the Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center. Employee Wellness program. Work‑life programs, including flexible schedules and training. Remote work arrangements for eligible positions. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. EEO Statement The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” workforce and providing culturally responsive programs. Applications are reviewed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, military status (with preference given to veterans), or other protected status, in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado